An independent analysis of Queensland greyhound racing stewards reports over a 2.5 year period shows that 125 dogs have died at the track after sustaining racing injuries.
“It is gruesome to realise that four healthy young greyhounds die every month on the track,” said Dr Eleonora Gullone, founder of the Coalition for the Protection of Greyhounds.
“The vast majority of these dogs were euthanised by the track vet after breaking their legs.”
However, Dr Gullone warns that deaths on the racetrack are just the tip of the iceberg.
“Cruelty also happens away from the track,” said Dr Gullone. “Racing Queensland website shows at least three cases of shocking animal cruelty since last October.
“Two cases were of greyhounds forced to endure the agony of an untreated broken leg for days before they were finally taken to a vet and euthanised.
“Another case detailed how a greyhound had her mouth strapped shut with barking muzzles, unable to pant or drink, before her trainer left her unsupervised for hours on a hot summer’s day; she died in her kennel alone.”
Dr Gullone also cited last year’s Queensland Greyhound Racing Industry Commission of Inquiry, which found that 76% of Queensland’s retired greyhounds were actually dead.
The deaths have outraged Queensland’s dog-loving community, especially after the Queensland Greyhound Breeders, Owners and Trainers Association declared that greyhound racing is just a hobby for three quarters of the industry.
“Dogs are dying just for entertainment,” said Dr Gullone. “In a modern society, how do we justify causing the deaths of thousands of healthy animals just for a hobby?”
Hundreds of greyhound lovers are gathering in Queens Park, Brisbane City at 10.00am on 24 July to mourn these dogs and show their support for a ban on greyhound racing. The event is part of the international March for the Murdered Million greyhounds.